Disability Insurance

Last updated: December 9, 2025 Recently updated

Disability Insurance Guide

Income protection if you can’t work. Find comprehensive information to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

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Disability Insurance Types

Explore the different types of disability insurance available:

Short-Term Disability Insurance - Replaces income for temporary disabilities lasting weeks to months
Long-Term Disability Insurance - Replaces income for extended disabilities lasting years or until retirement
Supplemental Disability Insurance - Additional coverage to supplement employer-provided disability benefits

Going Freelance Checklist - Disability coverage when self-employed
Starting a Business Checklist - Income protection for business owners

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability - Which coverage do you need?
Disability Insurance Costs - What to expect to pay

Life Insurance - Protects your family if you pass away
Health Insurance - Covers medical expenses from illness or injury
Long-Term Care Insurance - Covers care costs if you need ongoing assistance
Business Insurance - Workers’ comp and key person disability coverage

Official Resources

SSA Disability Benefits (opens in new tab) - Social Security disability programs (SSDI, SSI)
NAIC Disability Insurance Guide (opens in new tab) - State regulator consumer education
DOL Disability Resources (opens in new tab) - Department of Labor disability employment resources
Find Your State Insurance Department (opens in new tab) - Verify insurers, file complaints

Data Sources

Disability insurance data in this guide come from NAIC (opens in new tab) , Social Security Administration (opens in new tab) , and industry reports. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is disability insurance?

Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income (typically 60-70%) if illness or injury prevents you from working. It’s essential income protection—your ability to earn is your most valuable asset. There are short-term policies (covering weeks to months) and long-term policies (covering years or until retirement).

What's the difference between short-term and long-term disability?

Short-term disability covers temporary disabilities, typically paying benefits for 3-6 months after a waiting period of 0-14 days. Long-term disability covers extended disabilities, paying benefits for years or until age 65, but usually has a longer waiting period (90-180 days). Many people need both types of coverage.

Who needs disability insurance?

Anyone who depends on their income should consider disability insurance. It’s especially important for self-employed individuals, single-income households, and people with financial obligations (mortgage, children’s education). About 1 in 4 workers will experience a disability lasting more than a year during their career.